criterionforum.org

I didn't have the same terrible reaction that CSM did but it wasn't very good. There was a lot I liked about it, such as the attempt to create a similar look to the MGM film including the real foreground sets in front of CGI backgrounds that, at times, seemed to resemble matte paintings (at least in the 2D version, I'm guessing the 3D version adds more depth.) Liked the black and white/1.33:1 opening and how it turns to colour and expands to 2.40:1 when in Oz, if only to see the look on my daughter's face, just like when she saw the '39 film and it went from sepia to colour. Even if they were out of place I also got a kick out of the Evil Dead references (two other people in the theater chuckled at those moments) and liked the intensity of the Wicked Witch once she was revealed--she also absolutely terrified my daughter.

But I hated the reasoning for how she becomes the Wicked Witch, and was annoyed that they even felt some sort of back story was neccessary. Franco was also horribly miscast and he comes off too aloof and detached from everything, almost as if he's playing the role similar to how he played his stoner role in Pineapple Express. I'm not sure what young actor may have been right, but I almost feel an older actor would have been a better choice. For some reason I feel Tom Hanks would have been a much better option.

I am curious: for those who saw the 3D version was the black-and-white opening in 3D? I would have guessed, since they went with the Academy ratio and black-and-white they would have kept it as low-tech as possible, but there were some shots that seemed to be going for that 3D jolt effect.

My daughter liked it though admitted she prefers the '39 film ("the old Oz movie" as she calls it.) Though she still wants me to buy it (on Blu-ray) when "it comes out."

I saw a 15 minute clip at Disneyland this weekend (they show it regularly there; it's a few snippets of the early film, then the whole (does this really need a spoler? fine!)

Spoiler

Tornado/landing in Oz scene

and the black and white was in 3D in that. Definitely agree that it would have been better to keep it low tech.

The Black and white scenes are 3D, most notably the fireball that literally jumps out of the frame, and Oz's possessions as they float around the tornado. The blanket he tosses over himself to escape the wrestlers is 3D too but it looked so cartoonishly rendered it was kind of moot.

Well if your thirst for Oz wasn't sated, you can always go back next year, at which point everybody will be singing and also Brian Blessed will be there. Adaptations coming hard and fast.